So, the lovely reminders from Mulberry that they have brand spanking new arrivals continue to pop up in my inbox, like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, why wouldn’t I want to drool over the new and improved Tillie in Midnight Croc Print Suede? Conversely, I don’t really have a spare £895 to throw at it. Or even £270 for that amazing Bright Cabbage (Cabbage? C’mon Mulberry, surely you can think of something more appealing than that) Postman’s Lock Continental Wallet. It’s the green beauty below, if you were wondering. But still, I will happily cruise their site whenever their marketing emails tell me to, whilst stroking my beloved tan Bayswater in the manner of a James Bond villain and their cat. All the while hoping that one day my numbers come up:

{all products available at Mulberry}
By the way, what are your thoughts on the ‘Carter’, the latest Mulberry It bag?

I’m obsessed with beach houses. Which doesn’t take a degree to work out if you’re a frequent visitor to this blog. One day – and this is a promise that I’ve made to myself that I won’t break – I will own a house smack bang on the beach, and I have two preferred locations (if I win the lottery, then I’m having both): the south coast of (regular) England or New England. The reason for the latter is that some of my absolute favourite times were spent in Connecticut, in particular working here one summer. Although I’ve never visited Nantucket MA, I know that I would love it. I imagine it to be the Salcombe of New England, with quaint shops, a totally relaxed atmosphere and the sound of clinking masts. When I saw this house in Elle Decor, I had to share it with you – it’s so perfect I actually want to lick the screen. Even from the entrance you know it’s going to be a beaute, then the crisp white walls, unfussy decor and pops of colour take it to another level. I mean, that bedroom with the high ceilings and white slipper chair… seriously?!

And then just as I think I can’t take any more because I might cry, I’m hit with these sandy paths leading through the dunes to the beach…

{images via Elle Decor}
Couldn’t ask for more. Tell me, are you as taken as I am?

Welcome to August! I hope you all had lovely weekends – did you get up to anything exciting? I had a blissful time in the country, indulging in activities that I just don’t get to do living in London; for example, driving around in the sunshine, windows down, listening to summery tunes… absolutely love it. The weekend involved lots of my favourite people, delicious food, beautiful weather, and a late-night karaoke session. Brilliant.
As my summer holiday at the beginning of September draws nearer, I’m realising that my summer wardrobe is distinctly lacking in all areas. In fact over the weekend my beloved sandals finally gave up after we’d spent a fun-filled three years together, and there’s only so many outfit combinations you can get out of two dresses. I need to hit the shops BADLY, although I’m not a great shopper on the high street – I would much rather take the gamble and order online, where there aren’t hoards of slow walkers and horrendous changing room lighting (seriously when I shop, the most venomous creature emerges, it’s frightening). Following on my last packing guide (see here), here are some items that would be perfect for a country jaunt. And since we’re talking about an English summer, probably best to stick some Hunter wellies and a brolly in your case too for those inevitable rainy days:

{images via pinterest}

{1. Dorothy Perkins floral ruffle dress – £24 / 2. Oasis Mia denim jacket – £50 / 3. New Look link necklace – £5 / 4. Alexander Wang by Linda Farrow Projects wayfarer sunglasses – £138.50 / 5. John Lewis suede brogues – £65 / 6. Essie Haute as hello – £9.95 / 7. Topshop multi bloom swimsuit – £30 / 8. Monsoon daffodil pleat skirt – £38 / 9. Ri2K large straw tote – £59 / 10. Oasis dragonfly print tunic – £45 / 11. Topshop Peter Pan top – £26 / 12. Topshop natural wide brim boater – £22 / 13. Oliver Bonas kingfisher bangle – £14 / 14. Matalan linen shorts – £5}

Hurray for weekends, especially when they involve escaping to the country. I’m a country girl at heart (I spent my teenage years mucking out stables – I know, it was all glamour back then) and I jump at any opportunity to enjoy some time out of busy London life. I’m really looking forward to sitting in my mum’s sunny English country garden, as well as catching up with friends back home and their adorable children. Oh and there’s another Royal wedding! Perhaps not on the same scale as this one, but there’ll be photos of Zara’s dress and general style, as well as guests’ outfits, and that’s good enough for me. I’m easily pleased.
Speaking of weddings, there seems to be a new “it” accessory, and it comes in the form of a humble glass jar. The aqua-coloured mason jars are more of an American thing (not even sure if you can buy them here in the UK, sadly), but jars in general are being used for everything, from lighting to flowers to favours. And it doesn’t stop at weddings… they’re a way of storing and displaying items that’s far more appealing than throwing them haphazardly into a random drawer never to be seen again, or in a grimy Tupperware box. The brighter the contents, the more attractive the clear jars look – especially when there’s cake involved. There’s something about that final image that makes me incredibly happy. What do you think? Does this inspire you to get creative with jars?

My look of the week goes to one of my favourite style crushes, Mila Kunis, wearing one of my favourite labels, Elie Saab. Mila’s been hitting the promo circuit pretty hard with JT (I definitely want to catch Friends With Benefits) and, as always, has been looking flawless. The Grecian-inspired look she went for at the Moscow premiere is perfection on her, as was the white Louis Vuitton dress she donned on the same trip. For my room of the week, I couldn’t resist this bright bedroom, filled with light, fresh flowers and an abundance of patterns. Simply beautiful:

{images via prphotos, Real Simple & Pinterest}
I hope you have a perfect weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

Whilst browsing at a street fair a few weeks ago, I bought a beautiful antique magnifying glass. It was certainly not something I was in the market for (unless I am subconsciously trying to channel a French detective), but the reason I was so drawn to it was its intricate mother of pearl handle. I love its iridescent quality… it’s so timeless and elegant. Here is a selection of other shimmery items that I would love to add to my ‘it’s-mother-of-pearl-and-therefore-I-must-have-it’ collection. Catchy.

{1. Huttons mother of pearl frame – £16.95 / 2. ASOS PREMIUM boyfriend watch – £30 / 3. John Lewis mother of pearl mortice door knobs – £30 for 2 / 4. Zara Home Zafit tray – £29.99 / 5. 1928 New York stretch bracelet – £29 / 6. Graham & Green bedroom cabinet – £375 / 7. John Lewis mother of pearl box – £40 / 8. Oasis mother of pearl bangle – £16}